NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)

Stage 4

A student:

• identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations SC4-WS-02
  – Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically
  – Make predictions based on scientific knowledge and observations

Stage 5

• asks questions or makes predictions using observations SCLS-WS-02
  – Ask questions about familiar objects and events based on observations
  – Make predictions based on observations
• evaluates current and alternative energy use based on ethical and sustainability considerations SC5-EGY-01
  – Conduct an investigation to compare the energy transformed over time in model circuits or appliances
  – Evaluate ways to optimise current energy use
  – Examine data to identify past trends in energy use, and predict possible future demands, at a state, national and global level
  – Explain reasons for the development of alternative sources of energy
  – Use data, evidence and research to evaluate the development of alternative energy sources to meet and reduce global energy demand
• analyses the impact of human activity on the natural world SC5-ENV-01
  – Identify the principles and goals of sustainability
  – Apply scientific understanding to propose valid solutions to identified problems relating to sustainability
  – Explain how the natural greenhouse effect influences global climate
  – Analyse data on global emissions and atmospheric temperatures to explain the enhanced greenhouse effect and its impact on climate and ecosystems
  – Identify the advantages and limitations of methods used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  – Analyse data that shows the relationship between industrialisation and the rise in global temperatures
  – Identify the characteristics of climate change
  – Investigate and report on the consequences of climate change

NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions

VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0

For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the VIC Curriculum F-10 site.

Levels 7 and 8

• the sustainable use of Earth’s resources is influenced by whether the resources are renewable or non-renewable; the processes involved in resource extraction and energy production come with both benefits and risks to sustainability. VC2S8U09
• electrical circuits transfer energy when current flows and can be designed for diverse purposes using different components; the operation of circuits can be explained using the concepts of voltage and current. VC2S8U17
• investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be developed in guiding investigations to identify patterns, test relationships and analyse and evaluate scientific models. VC2S8I01
• scientific methods, conclusions and claims can be analysed to identify assumptions, possible sources of error, conflicting evidence and unanswered questions. VC2S8I06
• evidence-based arguments can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of ethical issues and protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information. VC2S8I07

Levels 9 & 10

• electricity can be generated as alternating current (AC) using magnets (via turbines turned by wind, water, tides or steam that is generated by the combustion of oil, gas or coal or by nuclear energy) or as direct current (DC) using photovoltaic cells or batteries. VC2S10U16
• carbon is cycled on Earth through key processes including photosynthesis, respiration, fire, weathering, vulcanism and the combustion of fossil fuels; these processes change the composition of Earth’s interrelated systems (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere) over time. VC2S10U10
• the dynamics of global climate change can be modelled and explained by examining the interactions between greenhouse gas emissions and energy exchanges within and between Earth’s systems; mitigating human-induced climate change requires addressing various activities including power generation, deforestation, manufacturing, transportation, food production and resource consumption. VC2S10U11
• investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be used in guiding investigations to test and develop explanatory models and relationships. VC2S10I01
• the validity and reproducibility of investigation methods and the validity of conclusions and claims can be evaluated, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence, biases that may influence observations and conclusions, sources of error and areas of uncertainty. VC2S10I06
• arguments based on a variety of evidence can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information. VC2S10I07